Sightseeing in Halkidiki

Endless coves, unique architectural sites, perfectly preserved Christian monument and a host of unexplored treasures all add their own rich touch to the unique canvas that is Halkidiki.

A quick guided tour around some of the most important sites:

• Mount AthosThere are twenty monasteries here, all unlike any anywhere else in the world. Seemingly untouched by time, they stand proudly on Mount Athos, one of the most important sites for the Orthodox faith. We would suggest that all the men reading this (sorry, no women allowed) should check out this unique place to feel the serenity, the wisdom and the holy spirituality of faith.

• The Cave of PetrálonaThe Cave of Petrálona is one of the most impressive caves in Europe. Finds from the cave show that Halkidiki has been inhabited since Stone Age times. The most important of these is a human skull, that of the “Archanthropos”, which is generally believed to be 700,000 years old –in other words, it is the skull of the oldest European! Visit the cave and admire labyrinthine interior with its stalactites and stalagmites. You can also visit the museum, where a large number of fossilised bones of different mammals are on display.

(For further information phone: 23730-71671.)

• Ancient OlynthusVisit Ancient Olynthus, a well-preserved Greek city from the Classical Period. Here you can admire the oldest known Greek mosaic flooring, a forerunner of the stunning mosaics of Dion,Aigai and Pella.

• StageiraStágeira is the homeland of Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers ever, who was born here in 384 BC. It was one of the best organised urban conurbations in the Classical Period. The archaeological site includes an acropolis, fortifications, an ancient temple and Classical and Hellenistic homes.

Visitgreece.gr is the official tourism web site for Greece, run by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, where you'll find information on the main tourist destinations, such as cities, beaches, as well as activities, events and much more!